volunteering

[sheikha9]

I haven't volunteered at a hospital yet and i was planning on doing so this summer. But i've only heard negative things about volunteering. Everyone says its not worth it because you don't learn anything. If I manage to get an internship over the summer, should I go for the internship over volunteering? I've already had a year of biomedical research internship experience but have had absolutely no hospital volunteering experience. Or should I do both, volunteer and intern?

[Nimitt]

There are interships available at medical schools for 6-8 weeks during the summer that are a great way to put a foot in the door at that med school. IN that case I would definitely say do an internship. Everyone does the hospital thing and you are right you dont learn. But the internships are smaller and few people get to do them and you do learn.

Good luck.

Nimitt
4th year
SGU SOM

[sheikha9]

That's a great idea! I will definately look into that. Do you know of any specific schools that do such programs?

[Nimitt]

Usually most medical schools have them I am from Texas and I know Baylor College of Medicine in Houston has a 6 week program in the summer as does Univeristy of Texas in Houston.
I see you are from Maryland try the state schools.

Nimitt
4th year
SGU SOM

[stateofequilibrium]

The thing about volunteering is this, for the most part it is a waste of time. Most volunteers will only get to escort people, deliver papers, flowers, food and change bedpans. Occasionally you might get to volunteer at some place interesting, like the ER or one of the labs.

HOWEVER, volunteering does the following:

a) Introduces you to the professional and interpersonal aspects of patient-care.
b) Makes you get shots you need.
c) NETWORKING (sometimes being a good volunteer will give you the opportunity to work with doctors)
d) Just about every other premed has it. While it really won't help your application too much, why not at least be on par with everyone else?

[Chemist_11]

Hi,
medical schools never look down on vaulenteering, i have been accepted onto a premed this november, but i did look at st matthews university, and for vet medicine, you will only be accepted with 1000+ vaulentary hours!
Eaven veterinary vaulentary work is good for medical school, as it is in a medical environment.


Daniel

[squiggy]

I haven't volunteered at a hospital yet and i was planning on doing so this summer. But i've only heard negative things about volunteering. Everyone says its not worth it because you don't learn anything.

In some situations, you may learn a lot. I have to admit, I didn't get much out of transporting patients; but right now, I am volunteering in the medical library. It has been a great, and I am learning a lot. For example, doctors request information about a particular topic and I look in the literature to find relevant abstracts--and that has been a great experience. Not only do I learn about the topics, but I am becoming an expert at finding research articles from different resources. Also, I get to interact with doctors and nurses frequently. Often, I have to photocopy articles, but when I do, I get to read the abstracts. Even when I reshelf material, which would seem like a learning-free exercise, I take a little time to read short introductions or back covers. At least I get exposure to a topic. I don't believe the librarian cares too much if I work a little slowly. If she does, I make up for it with other fringe benefits I offer.

Anyway, if I had a chance for an internship, I would do the internship and volunteer, but only if the volunteer experience allows you to grow. Otherwise, you could always volunteer after your stint as an intern.

Hope this helps.

[ResearchingGuy]

As one admissions person at a US school told me, volunteering is an indication of your passion for medicine and your desire to learn more about the field. "Learning medicine" is for later - in school. Of course, you can use any opportunity to learn something and enjoy yourself.


Best of Luck!